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Gods and Warriors #4
The Crocodile Tomb
Readers of Peter Lerangis’s Seven Wonders and Brandon Mull’s Five Kingdoms will love the mesmerizing Egyptian setting in the fourth installment of this epic survival story seriesHylas and Pirra finally arrive in Egypt, only to find that the dagger Userref guarded is missing. Even worse, Telamon and the Crows are also in Egypt to hunt for the dagger, and they'll stop at nothing until they get what they've come for. But when Hylas realizes where the dagger is hidden—in Egypt’s ancient tombs, buried with the restless souls of the dead—it's going to take all of his courage to slip inside. And as his otherworldly visions grow stronger, Hylas isn't confident that he'll have the strength to make it out alive. With Havoc the lioness and Echo the falcon at their sides, Hylas and Pirra must rescue the dagger and make a daring escape...before the gods of Egypt consume them all.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
42 people are currently reading
662 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Paver
55 books2,359 followersMichelle Paver was born in central Africa, but came to England as a child. After gaining a degree in biochemistry from Oxford University, she became a partner in a city law firm, but eventually gave that up to write full-time.
The hugely successful Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series arose from Michelle's lifelong passion for animals, anthropology and the distant past—as well as an encounter with a large bear in a remote valley in southern California. To research the books, Michelle has traveled to Finland, Greenland, Sweden, Norway, Arctic Canada and the Carpathian Mountains. She has slept on reindeer skins, swum with wild orca (killer whales), and got nose-to-nose with polar bears—and, of course, wolves.
The hugely successful Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series arose from Michelle's lifelong passion for animals, anthropology and the distant past—as well as an encounter with a large bear in a remote valley in southern California. To research the books, Michelle has traveled to Finland, Greenland, Sweden, Norway, Arctic Canada and the Carpathian Mountains. She has slept on reindeer skins, swum with wild orca (killer whales), and got nose-to-nose with polar bears—and, of course, wolves.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
March 29, 2020
Still enjoying reading this series out loud to my kids. (9-16) I do find the story lines repetitive in that the main characters are essentially back where they started (though not geographically) at the end of each book—that feels a little narratively frustrating. Enjoyed Egypt as the new setting and a few new characters.
March 19, 2016
So many shipping moments. SO MANY. The amount of times I was internally screaming "kiss!" was insane. But aside from all those moments, the book was great! I didn't rush through it quite as much as I did with The Eye of the Falcon, but this book was definitely just as good!
I loved how Egypt was portrayed. It was a fantastic representation of both the culture and the environment. I really enjoyed the story, which involved a lot more travel and a wider cast than the previous book. But it all worked nicely.
This book also made things a lot more tense, with more deaths of characters we know, and Telamon leaving triumphant. And I've officially lost all interest in a Telamon redemption arc, and if he's supposed to be the main villain, that's probably a good thing.
A couple things were disappointing - Akastos didn't make his usual one chapter appearance. I was kinda looking forward to seeing him trying to hide in Egypt. There was also no new animal companion. I can understand why, but so far each book at had a new animal so I was expecting it. I'd also been hoping to see a bit of their ocean trip to Egypt, and that Spirit would make a reappearance there. No such luck.
Those are the only real disappointments in the book. I loved everything else about it. It was great! AND SO MUCH SHIPPING. I tend to get sick of that sort of thing in large amount (and, granted, that was the case at moments) but I also really ship Hylas and Pirra, so I enjoyed all of it! This was an amazing book, and I can't wait for the final one!
To see my reactions as I read it, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FwtX...
I loved how Egypt was portrayed. It was a fantastic representation of both the culture and the environment. I really enjoyed the story, which involved a lot more travel and a wider cast than the previous book. But it all worked nicely.
This book also made things a lot more tense, with more deaths of characters we know, and Telamon leaving triumphant. And I've officially lost all interest in a Telamon redemption arc, and if he's supposed to be the main villain, that's probably a good thing.
A couple things were disappointing - Akastos didn't make his usual one chapter appearance. I was kinda looking forward to seeing him trying to hide in Egypt. There was also no new animal companion. I can understand why, but so far each book at had a new animal so I was expecting it. I'd also been hoping to see a bit of their ocean trip to Egypt, and that Spirit would make a reappearance there. No such luck.
Those are the only real disappointments in the book. I loved everything else about it. It was great! AND SO MUCH SHIPPING. I tend to get sick of that sort of thing in large amount (and, granted, that was the case at moments) but I also really ship Hylas and Pirra, so I enjoyed all of it! This was an amazing book, and I can't wait for the final one!
To see my reactions as I read it, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FwtX...
Read
July 7, 2017It was a good book
August 25, 2025
Adventure, ancient Greek and Egyptian worlds, magical realism and an exceptionally coherent narrative come together in this YA novel. It is a world I'd return to again.
July 19, 2018
Wow ! Very intense!
This book started off sad and I kept hoping for a different ending but as the book wore to a close - a minor character fell to the Crows.
The last three books have been about a bitter rivalry between the Crows and Pirra/Hylas. As we come to the end of this series it is my desire to see Issi in great detail in the final book. While I have immensely enjoyed the four books, I feel like Pirra when I hear Hylas speak of his sister and have no words.
This series has been hard to get through at times because it has elements that are missing or haven’t been explained enough. Here’s hoping the last book satisfies...
This book started off sad and I kept hoping for a different ending but as the book wore to a close - a minor character fell to the Crows.
The last three books have been about a bitter rivalry between the Crows and Pirra/Hylas. As we come to the end of this series it is my desire to see Issi in great detail in the final book. While I have immensely enjoyed the four books, I feel like Pirra when I hear Hylas speak of his sister and have no words.
This series has been hard to get through at times because it has elements that are missing or haven’t been explained enough. Here’s hoping the last book satisfies...
October 9, 2019
2,5 stars
I loved to visit Egypt and also Havoc finding herself, but at the same time we're back where we started and everything feels a bit unnecessary and a lot of issues were solved a bit too easy for my taste. It was a fun adventure though, and I'm excited for the last book and hopefully these characters will finally have some peace!
I loved to visit Egypt and also Havoc finding herself, but at the same time we're back where we started and everything feels a bit unnecessary and a lot of issues were solved a bit too easy for my taste. It was a fun adventure though, and I'm excited for the last book and hopefully these characters will finally have some peace!
March 4, 2020
The action moves to ancient Egypt in this story that continues the excitement as Hylas and Pirra struggle to be free of the crows and the ill fated dagger. Really well done descriptions of the ancient world in this enjoyable story.
All in all a series I recommend. Book 5 will be out in a few months I think.
All in all a series I recommend. Book 5 will be out in a few months I think.
May 21, 2019
The Lion, The Falcon and the Boat Made of Grass
The story moves forward through the eyes of four storytellers. Their adventures seem a little too perfect; the boy too polite, the lion too fearful, the falcon too faithful.
The story moves forward through the eyes of four storytellers. Their adventures seem a little too perfect; the boy too polite, the lion too fearful, the falcon too faithful.
July 21, 2019
Wow! Egypt v dobe bronzovej je úžasný. Napínavý príbeh, opäť nové dobrodružstvá, skvelé! A vývoj postáv počas celej série... Je postupný, krásny, nie zo dňa na deň ale tak ako to má byť. Teším sa na finálny diel série.
July 28, 2025
Sono affezionato a questo volume e al resto della saga, che trovo interessante, scorrevole e godibile. Tutti i capitoli ottengono lo stesso voto e condividono pregi e difetti di una storia che non esce mai dai binari e che, nonostante i molti pregi, può facilmente risultare ripetitiva.
October 17, 2017
Read this series with my Yr 8 English class.
They loved it.
They loved it.
November 13, 2017
Hylas and Pirra go to Egypt to get the dagger so that Telemon and the Crows will not be undefeatable.
March 7, 2018
good, not so dark or rather dark but more an adventure but still a good insight into the society back then. Well reserched and good story.
July 11, 2018
Not unlike the characters, I was confused when they first arrived at Egypt.
Read
April 17, 2020Vvcc
December 8, 2020
I had to put this book down after reading one of the characters repeatedly referred to as "that black boy."
June 5, 2023
I really like the setting in Egypt and the idea that the gods change depending on where you are in the world. Some interesting character development in this book.
September 9, 2023
Reread: 09/09/23
January 18, 2024
The author pays great attention to historical and geographical details.
A rare case for fantasy.
A rare case for fantasy.
May 9, 2024
Som de tidigare delarna i serien - bra! Historiskt intressant, bra karaktärer, kul att boken bytte miljö lite jämfört med de tidigare böckerna i serien.
July 17, 2024
I loved this book and all the previous ones in this series! I highly recommend!
June 25, 2025
Serien är fortsatt spännande. Intressant att få en inblick i det forna Egypten den här gången.
August 11, 2024
This was good but I’m still waiting for a solution from the first book.
July 17, 2018
I can't believe it's been a year since I started reading this series and I still didn't finish it.
Moving on from that shock.
All I can say is that each book is better than the one before and I can't wait for the last one in the series.
Firstly, I love the dynamic between Hylas and Pirra. I ship them soo much and there were quite a few moments in the book I was almost screeming: "kiss, kiss".
Secondly, the relationship between Hylas and Telamon is just as interesting as the one between Hylas and Pirra and I still didn't lose hope that Telamon is switching sides at the end. Fingers crossed.
Thirdly this one is not as dark as the one before (except that one time ) and has more emphasis on an adventure which is totally fine by me.
And last, I like how well Egypt is presented. Michelle Paver studied ancient Egypt, from their culture to nature, well enough to make a story even more believable and realistic.
Moving on from that shock.
All I can say is that each book is better than the one before and I can't wait for the last one in the series.
Firstly, I love the dynamic between Hylas and Pirra. I ship them soo much and there were quite a few moments in the book I was almost screeming: "kiss, kiss".
Secondly, the relationship between Hylas and Telamon is just as interesting as the one between Hylas and Pirra and I still didn't lose hope that Telamon is switching sides at the end. Fingers crossed.
Thirdly this one is not as dark as the one before (except that one time ) and has more emphasis on an adventure which is totally fine by me.
And last, I like how well Egypt is presented. Michelle Paver studied ancient Egypt, from their culture to nature, well enough to make a story even more believable and realistic.
July 14, 2024
Bullet review:
+An engaging read full of peril, adventure and great characters
+A very interesting description of ancient Egypt. I can't tell if it fully accurate, but it does feel like Paver really did her research with the amount of detail we're given.
+Hylas and Pirra character development + a blooming romance
+Havoc and Echo are still great
-Akastos doesn't return, quite sad since he's arguably the most well-written character in the series.
-The dynamic between Hylas and Pirra is starting to feel a lot like those of Torak and Renn from the author's Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series. I wish their characters were written a bit more uniquely without feeling so same-y to Torak and Renn.
Full review at: https://skybookcorner.blogspot.com/20...
+An engaging read full of peril, adventure and great characters
+A very interesting description of ancient Egypt. I can't tell if it fully accurate, but it does feel like Paver really did her research with the amount of detail we're given.
+Hylas and Pirra character development + a blooming romance
+Havoc and Echo are still great
-Akastos doesn't return, quite sad since he's arguably the most well-written character in the series.
-The dynamic between Hylas and Pirra is starting to feel a lot like those of Torak and Renn from the author's Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series. I wish their characters were written a bit more uniquely without feeling so same-y to Torak and Renn.
Full review at: https://skybookcorner.blogspot.com/20...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2024
'The Moon has scars, but it's still beautiful.'
Dit is een boek met een paar heel erg leuke momentjes erin. Het hoogtepunt is waarschijnlijk de laatste scène met Alekto, die, dat mag toch wel gezegd worden, op een heel passende manier aan haar eind komt. (Ik heb niet gezegd dat het aangenaam lezen is...) In elk geval een van de meest ingenieuze opruimingen - om het beschaafd te houden - die in jeugdboeken te vinden zijn. Ik weet nog steeds niet of ik moet gruwen, grijnzen, of allebei.
Het klinkt verder ook stom, maar er is één bepaald aspect van deze reeks dat zich onderscheidt van CoAD, en dat is de liefde. Ongelooflijk maar waar, dat is een van de hoofdzaken waaraan je kan zien dat deze reeks 'maar' uit vijf boeken bestaan. De verhouding (en de evolutie ervan) tussen Hylas en Pirra verloopt in een totaal ander tempo dan Torak en Renn. Gewoon puur omdat er een boek minder is, volgens mij. Zeg wat je wilt over CoAD, maar zelfs in Boek 3 kon je daar nog zeggen dat er eigenlijk niks gaande was, terwijl hier in Boek 2 de liefde in de lucht hing.
Je zou kunnen vrezen dat dat allemaal een herhaling is van Torak/Renn, maar het hele verloop doorheen het verhaal ontvouwt zich toch anders. Niet dat je eraan twijfelt dat ze samen zullen eindigen (ehm… in de beste zin van het woord bedoel ik dan), maar de weg ernaartoe is tenminste anders.
Een van de dingen die mij maar bezighoudt - en waar we helaas, of misschien is dat net de charme ervan - is of Pirra nu een soort zielzwerver is. (Voor iedereen die niet weet waarover het nu gaat: lees Avonturen uit een Magisch Verleden.) Ze kan zich niet écht verplaatsen in dieren (laat staan bomen), maar ze heeft duidelijk een bijzondere band met Echo en af en toe voelt het blijkbaar toch aan alsof ze vliegt en/of in de valk zit. Maar de link is eigenlijk te vaag om zeker te zijn, want je zou evengoed kunnen stellen dat dat een andere (magische/mythische) verklaring heeft. Nu ja, intrigerend is het wel.
8/10
Dit is een boek met een paar heel erg leuke momentjes erin. Het hoogtepunt is waarschijnlijk de laatste scène met Alekto, die, dat mag toch wel gezegd worden, op een heel passende manier aan haar eind komt. (Ik heb niet gezegd dat het aangenaam lezen is...) In elk geval een van de meest ingenieuze opruimingen - om het beschaafd te houden - die in jeugdboeken te vinden zijn. Ik weet nog steeds niet of ik moet gruwen, grijnzen, of allebei.
Het klinkt verder ook stom, maar er is één bepaald aspect van deze reeks dat zich onderscheidt van CoAD, en dat is de liefde. Ongelooflijk maar waar, dat is een van de hoofdzaken waaraan je kan zien dat deze reeks 'maar' uit vijf boeken bestaan. De verhouding (en de evolutie ervan) tussen Hylas en Pirra verloopt in een totaal ander tempo dan Torak en Renn. Gewoon puur omdat er een boek minder is, volgens mij. Zeg wat je wilt over CoAD, maar zelfs in Boek 3 kon je daar nog zeggen dat er eigenlijk niks gaande was, terwijl hier in Boek 2 de liefde in de lucht hing.
Je zou kunnen vrezen dat dat allemaal een herhaling is van Torak/Renn, maar het hele verloop doorheen het verhaal ontvouwt zich toch anders. Niet dat je eraan twijfelt dat ze samen zullen eindigen (ehm… in de beste zin van het woord bedoel ik dan), maar de weg ernaartoe is tenminste anders.
Een van de dingen die mij maar bezighoudt - en waar we helaas, of misschien is dat net de charme ervan - is of Pirra nu een soort zielzwerver is. (Voor iedereen die niet weet waarover het nu gaat: lees Avonturen uit een Magisch Verleden.) Ze kan zich niet écht verplaatsen in dieren (laat staan bomen), maar ze heeft duidelijk een bijzondere band met Echo en af en toe voelt het blijkbaar toch aan alsof ze vliegt en/of in de valk zit. Maar de link is eigenlijk te vaag om zeker te zijn, want je zou evengoed kunnen stellen dat dat een andere (magische/mythische) verklaring heeft. Nu ja, intrigerend is het wel.
8/10
March 3, 2016
Aah The Gods and Warriors series. I was so excited when I heard this was being released this year. I've been a fan of Michelle Paver since I first read Wolf Brother back in 2006, and the Gods and Warriors series is proving to be just as good as The Chronicles of Ancient Darkness books that preceded it.
Book 4 picks up where Eye of the Falcon left off, with Hylas and Pirra travelling to Egypt in search of the Dagger of Koronos.
The story flows and is paced very well. It has enough surprises to keep it fresh, though I never really felt like the main protagonists were in danger, or at least I never felt like they were about to /die/, no matter how dire circumstances became.
The characters remain well written. Hylas continues to struggle with his visions in a denial-of-destiny sort of way, which is interesting and brings a vulnerability to him that we haven't seen much so far. Pirra continues her strong character growth which received a massive boost at the end of the last book. She really comes into her own here and is seen more as an equal to Hylas, rather than the occasionally-useful companion she's been so far. I really like the relationship between the humans and their animal counterparts, which sees them all acting as a cohesive cooperative unit, banding together in unknown territory. A few new characters are introduced, who are interesting and complex, and good additions to the story. My only character criticism is for Telemon, who has gone from being a conflicted and morally ambiguous antagonist to a two-dimensional villain. His complete lust for power has made him almost a caricature of himself, and while we know he still has severe insecurities, it isn't played out strongly enough to give him enough depth.
In my opinion, this is the strongest book in the series so far, and sets the stage nicely for the fifth and final book, due out next year. I can honestly say I have no idea how it will end, but boy does this make me excited for it!
Book 4 picks up where Eye of the Falcon left off, with Hylas and Pirra travelling to Egypt in search of the Dagger of Koronos.
The story flows and is paced very well. It has enough surprises to keep it fresh, though I never really felt like the main protagonists were in danger, or at least I never felt like they were about to /die/, no matter how dire circumstances became.
The characters remain well written. Hylas continues to struggle with his visions in a denial-of-destiny sort of way, which is interesting and brings a vulnerability to him that we haven't seen much so far. Pirra continues her strong character growth which received a massive boost at the end of the last book. She really comes into her own here and is seen more as an equal to Hylas, rather than the occasionally-useful companion she's been so far. I really like the relationship between the humans and their animal counterparts, which sees them all acting as a cohesive cooperative unit, banding together in unknown territory. A few new characters are introduced, who are interesting and complex, and good additions to the story. My only character criticism is for Telemon, who has gone from being a conflicted and morally ambiguous antagonist to a two-dimensional villain. His complete lust for power has made him almost a caricature of himself, and while we know he still has severe insecurities, it isn't played out strongly enough to give him enough depth.
In my opinion, this is the strongest book in the series so far, and sets the stage nicely for the fifth and final book, due out next year. I can honestly say I have no idea how it will end, but boy does this make me excited for it!
October 21, 2015
'If an Outsider wields the blade, the House of Koronos burns . . .'
A country at the edge of the world.
A hidden tomb.
A buried secret.
Hylas and Pirra have found their way to the mysterious land of Egypt in pursuit of the dagger of Koronos, only to find that the Crows have got there first. Led by Hylas's deadly enemy, Telamon, they are determined to recover the legendary blade, by any means necessary.
But the dagger now lies buried beyond the reach of mortals. If Hylas and Pirra want it back, they will have to make the most dangerous journey of all - into the realms of death itself . . .
The fourth novel in the bestselling Gods and Warriors series by Michelle Paver.
I'm enjoying this series, much as I did Paver's Wolf Brother series before. She really draws the reader into the ancient worlds of her stories, but the appeal isn't limited to those who enjoy historic accuracy. The people - and animals - are real and we care about what happens to them.
My only slight criticism is that Issi features so little in these first four books. I hope the fifth and final one will see her reunited with her brother, and let us know what has happened to her all this time.
A country at the edge of the world.
A hidden tomb.
A buried secret.
Hylas and Pirra have found their way to the mysterious land of Egypt in pursuit of the dagger of Koronos, only to find that the Crows have got there first. Led by Hylas's deadly enemy, Telamon, they are determined to recover the legendary blade, by any means necessary.
But the dagger now lies buried beyond the reach of mortals. If Hylas and Pirra want it back, they will have to make the most dangerous journey of all - into the realms of death itself . . .
The fourth novel in the bestselling Gods and Warriors series by Michelle Paver.
I'm enjoying this series, much as I did Paver's Wolf Brother series before. She really draws the reader into the ancient worlds of her stories, but the appeal isn't limited to those who enjoy historic accuracy. The people - and animals - are real and we care about what happens to them.
My only slight criticism is that Issi features so little in these first four books. I hope the fifth and final one will see her reunited with her brother, and let us know what has happened to her all this time.
September 16, 2015
In this book, Pirra and Hylas end up cast away in the desert. Usseref, Pirra's loyal servant, is in an even worse situation; he's the prisoner of the crows, and Alecto is gleefully torturing him. The teens have to survive, find their way to two Egyptian cities, and rescue Usseref and the dagger - if they can.
A very strong entry in an excellent series. There are a few intriguing new characters, great heroism, wonderful animals (I'm sure readers will be cheering for Havoc at one point, at least!), and also chilling evil. It's this that made me rate the book downward slightly. Telamon's spiritual journey is truly upsetting, and as for Alecto - well, it could be said that she deserves her name. Her fate, though? Maybe. That's for readers to decide.
All fans, young and older, who've been following Pirra and Hylas through their last three adventures will want to read this book. As with all of Paver's books, it stands up well to rereading due to the solid writing, fascinating settings, and strong characters. Recommended.
A very strong entry in an excellent series. There are a few intriguing new characters, great heroism, wonderful animals (I'm sure readers will be cheering for Havoc at one point, at least!), and also chilling evil. It's this that made me rate the book downward slightly. Telamon's spiritual journey is truly upsetting, and as for Alecto - well, it could be said that she deserves her name. Her fate, though? Maybe. That's for readers to decide.
All fans, young and older, who've been following Pirra and Hylas through their last three adventures will want to read this book. As with all of Paver's books, it stands up well to rereading due to the solid writing, fascinating settings, and strong characters. Recommended.
June 15, 2016
Ever since her Wolf Brother series I have been hooked on Michelle Pavers writing.
This book is a masterpiece introduction to the Egyptian beliefs and their world of thought. The research simply shines through. This makes the adventures of Hylas and Pirra feel real without the delivery feeling strained in the effort.
From the very first page you are back in their bronze age world, the needs, motives and beliefs. The characters of the falcon and the lioness (the latter becoming full grown) adds colour; a feature of Pavers book which I love. It is packed with imagery, mystery and creepiness which are handled beautifully.
I thought the book was not that long, but it is dense with description, without being heavy and deals with YA themes adding a realism that is both timely to the characters (they are growing up after all) and progresses the story naturally.
I think this book adds to the saga and takes us deeper into the adventure. I am looking forward to the final one in 2017
This book is a masterpiece introduction to the Egyptian beliefs and their world of thought. The research simply shines through. This makes the adventures of Hylas and Pirra feel real without the delivery feeling strained in the effort.
From the very first page you are back in their bronze age world, the needs, motives and beliefs. The characters of the falcon and the lioness (the latter becoming full grown) adds colour; a feature of Pavers book which I love. It is packed with imagery, mystery and creepiness which are handled beautifully.
I thought the book was not that long, but it is dense with description, without being heavy and deals with YA themes adding a realism that is both timely to the characters (they are growing up after all) and progresses the story naturally.
I think this book adds to the saga and takes us deeper into the adventure. I am looking forward to the final one in 2017
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews